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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

CO Nursing-Home COVID-19 Cases, Deaths Rising

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Thursday, December 17, 2020   

DENVER -- As the coronavirus pandemic surges across the country, new analysis from AARP shows nursing-home residents and staff still are at significant risk.

Data from October through November marked increases in infection rates and deaths, along with shortages of staff and personal protection equipment (PPE).

Bob Murphy, state director for AARP Colorado, said more work and resources are needed to protect people living in congregate facilities.

"Despite the best efforts of everyone, it's getting a lot worse," Murphy explained. "The number of resident deaths, the number of resident cases, the number of staff COVID cases; all really striking increases just in a month's time."

In Colorado, new COVID-19 infection rates rose to nearly eight out of every 100 nursing-home residents and staff. Death rates also increased to more than one resident death per 100 residents.

Nearly a quarter of nursing homes still do not have a one-week supply of PPE, and more than a third face staffing shortages.

Murphy contended the health crisis has exposed long-standing flaws in the nation's long-term care system, and a new AARP report offers recommendations for improvements, such as ensuring staff have health insurance, paid sick leave and competitive wages.

"People in the service industry, whether they work in nursing homes or assisted-care facilities, or especially home health-care workers, they just aren't paid enough," Murphy concluded.

Recommendations also include creating statewide emergency response centers to rapidly identify needs and deploy resources; updating facilities to improve infection control; and addressing patient isolation, risk for depression, and their ability to interact with loved ones.

Disclosure: AARP Colorado contributes to our fund for reporting on Civic Engagement, Health Issues, Livable Wages/Working Families, and Senior Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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